Weaning-bit.



W. ELTURNER WEANING BIT.

APPLICATION FILED JAN- 18, 19:6

Patented July 24,

Inventor Attorneys WILEY ERNEST TURNER, OF COLEMAN, TEXAS.

WEANING-BIT.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 241, 1917.

Application filed January 18, 1316. ,Serial No. 72,769.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, lViLnY TURNER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Coleman, in the county of .Coleman and State of Texas, have invented a new and useful lVeaning-Bit, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to weaning bits and more particularly to that type which is adapted to admit air into the mouth of an animal, thus obviatingany drawing or sucking action.

An object of this invention is to provide a weaning bit embodying an automatic valve to cooperate with an air port, to thus close or open the port according to the position of the animals head.

A further object of this invention is to provide a weaning bit of generally improved construction, whereby the device will be simple, durable and inexpensive in construction, as well as convenient, practical, serviceable and eflicient in its use.

WVith the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the combination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the invention herein disclosed, can be made within the scope of what is claimed, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

This invention has been illustrated in its preferred embodiment in the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a perspective view of the improved weaning bit.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device; parts appearing in elevation.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken on the line 33 of Fig. 2.

Figs. 4:, 5 and 6 depict the various positions of the animals head while feeding or drinking.

In carrying out the present invention there is provided a tubular bit 1, having apertures 2 formed intermediate the ends thereof, the number of which apertures may be determined by the conditions to be met, while the opposed ends of the tubular bit 1 are closed by suitable closures 3.

Projecting from. the opposed ends of the tubular bit 1 are securing members or arms 4, having eyes 5 at their outer or free terminals.

An inlet port 6 is formed adjacent one end of the tubular bit, and a valve 7 is adapted to cooperate therewith to automatically close the port 6. The valve 7 is secured to arms 8, by a rivet 12, and the arms 8 are in turn pivoted to one of the securing members at as indicated at 9. The valve carrying member embodies a doubled strip having its ends straddling and pivoted to the arm or member 1 which extends from the tubular bit 1 in adjacent to the aperture 6, while the valve has an ear upstanding therefrom and proecting within and secured to the doubled strip. This provides an effective and substantial structure. Any approved means may be employed to secure the weaning bit in the animals mouth, and in the present instance there are shown straps or other flexible elements 10, which are passed through and secured to the eyes 5. One of the straps 10 is provided with a buckle 11, that enables the device to be secured to the head of the animal.

In practical use, the tubular bit is placed in the animals mouth, and the straps 10 are then placed over its head where they are fastened by the buckle 11.

Now, the bit is firmly secured in the mouth of the animal which it is desired to wean. Therefore, when the animal extends its head, as shown in Fig. 6, to suck its mothers milk, then the valve 7 being actuated by gravity, will move from and uncover the port 6, so that when the animal in an effort to suck or draw in milk produces a suction, it will draw in air through the port 6, tubular bit 1, and aperture 2, and consequently rendering its efforts fruitless.

But, if the animal desires to eat or drink from a bin or other elevated receptacle, its head assumes the position that is illustrated in Fig. 4, and since the valve 7 in this position covers the port 6, thereby preventing air from entering the tube 1 through the port 6, thus it is obvious that the improved bit in this position in no way interferes with the natural efforts of the animal. Again, if the animal desires to graze, or drink from a stream, pond or the like, then it will of course lower its head as shown in Fig. 5, and since the valve 7 covers the port 6, it is manifest that the improved weaning bit will not in this position interfere with the animal.

Therefore, it is seen that the only position in which this device will interfere with the natural feeding functions of the animal animal.

Having thus described my invention, What is claimed as new is In a device of the character described, a tubular member having an aperture and an arm extending therefrom adjacent to said aperture, a doubled strip having its ends straddling and pivoted to said arm, and a valve to fit said tubular member and cover said aperture, said valve having an ear upstanding therefrom and projecting within and secured to said strip.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own, I have hereto afiixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

WILEY ERNEST TURNER.

Witnesses:

A. J. HOLBROOK,

J. B. PENDERGRASS.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five'cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

